In 2010 my glaucoma journey began when I was diagnosed with glaucoma after a pressure reading of 66 (normal is 10-21)! I have a variant of chronic angle-closure glaucoma, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (ICE). Throughout the years, I have had several surgeries to lessen my vision loss. Most were glaucoma surgeries until recently when I had my first corneal transplant in 2024. It was great to be pain free for a while, but the transplant failed eight months later due to my disease. In 2025, I underwent a surgery to move my glaucoma tubes to give another transplant a better chance at lasting longer. In June 2025, I had my nineth eye surgery for a second corneal transplant. So far, things are going great and it’s doing very well.
In addition to glaucoma, I also have a congenital heart condition. I have written a book, From the Sidelines to the Finish Line detailing my medical care, the ups and downs of my life with chronic illness and what has helped me succeed. I think my memoir will help patients in similar positions see a way forward and help families and caregivers gain insight into a loved one’s medical struggles. While both my conditions are rare, the lessons I’ve learned from fighting them can be applicable to any reader. My aim is to encourage readers to advocate for themselves, believe in their abilities, test their boundaries, and make changes in their lives.
Life has changed for the better since I received my new cornea. I went from having relentless agony from my eye pain almost daily to none at all. I no longer have to worry about bad eye days when my eye leaks tears and my nose is extremely runny which can be embarrassing. I feel good enough to wear eye makeup again, and I can trust it won’t run down my cheek. I can go about my days not having to plan ahead for the time when I will be in pain and not want to do anything. I now take less drops every day, so I don’t have to remember as many medical things to do and I can free my mind to think about fun things.
I love travel and animals, both of which have helped me get through difficult times. While living a constrained life, I have sought out adventures whenever I can, such as trekking up volcanoes to observe mountain gorillas in Uganda, volunteering with cheetahs and baboons in Namibia, playing with wolves at the Arctic Circle, and eating with orangutans in Singapore. I participate in a weekly run club and run in one 5K race every year.